Although with around 4 million inhabitants it does not rank among the world's most populous countries and is considered relatively small in terms of population, Croatia is a country that achieves impressive sports results, both in team and individual sports.
One of the most brilliant sporting years, in which our athletes achieved success after success, was undoubtedly 2018. The Croatian national football team won the silver medal at the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
But beyond that, it is also home and birthplace to incredible individuals who, through their knowledge, inventions, and discoveries, have changed the course of history. As cataclysmic as it may sound, without inventors and scientists such as Nikola Tesla, Ruđer Bošković, or Faust Vrančić, modern life as we know it would be hard to imagine.
Unknown to many, a large number of world-renowned individuals have roots in this region due to emigration, particularly to Australia, South America, and the United States. It’s no surprise, then, that the world-famous sailor, explorer, and merchant Marco Polo originally came from the island of Korčula!
Many of today’s well-known actors, singers, and athletes are part of the globally spread Croatian diaspora, such as Mira Furlan, the inventor of the zeppelin, David Schwartz, John Malkovich, Rudy Tomjanovich, Bill Belichick, and even the legendary Diego Maradona!
For those who don’t know, below we bring you a list of the most famous Croats!
Scientists and inventors
Nikola Tesla
Perhaps the most famous name associated with Croatia, and without whose inventions the modern world would be unimaginable, is Nikola Tesla. Born in Smiljan near Gospić, the main city in the geographical region of Lika, Nikola Tesla was an electrical engineer and scientist. Tesla is primarily credited with the discovery of alternating current, which made the process of generating and widely distributing electricity much easier. Without Tesla, perhaps even the greatest invention of the modern age — the Internet — wouldn’t be available today. Now try to imagine life without the Internet and reflect once more on the greatness of this inventor and true genius.
If you plan to visit Smiljan near Gospić, you can also enjoy the beauty of the Lika region, visit the Plitvice Lakes, or reach the sea in just an hour’s drive!
“I don’t mind that they stole my ideas. I mind that they didn’t have any of their own.” —
Memorial center in Lika dedicated to Nikola Tesla (Source: Unsplash)
Ruđer Bošković
Ruđer Bošković is one of the most renowned scientists, philosophers, astronomers, physicists, and mathematicians from Dubrovnik. He is best remembered for his astronomical achievements and his studies on the structure of matter itself.
His foundations and scientific contributions were centuries ahead of their time and laid the groundwork for the research of some of the greatest minds who followed, such as Albert Einstein.
The atomic model, unified theory of forces, mechanical motion of matter, theory on the movement of astronomical objects, laws of optics and optical inventions, studies of geophysical laws are just some of the fields and concepts in which Ruđer Bošković left his mark, sparked a revolution of inventions, and laid the foundation for today’s research and discoveries.
To visit the birthplace of Ruđer Bošković, look for accommodation in Dubrovnik and the surrounding area at affordable prices!
Slavoljub Penkala
One of the inventors and scientists who transformed and modernized the world around him is Slavoljub Penkala. A Pole born in Slovakia, he lived and worked in Zagreb.
He is credited with between 70 and 80 patents covering a wide range of different fields. However, he will go down in history as the creator of the first mechanical pencil and fountain pen, which revolutionized the way writing was done around the world. As a result, the name "penkala" and its word root have remained in use in many world languages.
In addition, Penkala is known as one of the aviation pioneers in Croatia. He took part in the construction of the first Croatian two-seater airplane and is credited with the first flight over Zagreb. Beyond his inventions and scientific work, Penkala aimed to give his creations mass, practical value. He also patented a record player needle, thermos bottle, battery anode, rotating toothbrush, laundry detergent, anti-rheumatism medicine, and much more.
Faust Vrančić
Today’s enthusiasts of adrenaline and adventure tourism often include a parachute in their standard gear or seek out such activities while on vacation. Interestingly, the parachute was invented more than 400 years ago by a Croatian named Faust Vrančić!
This writer, scientist, and engineer was born and buried in Šibenik and is considered one of the key figures of the Renaissance and the greatest inventor at the turn of the 16th to 17th century. In his most important work, *Machina Novae*, he presented more than 56 technical inventions, projects, and constructions. In addition to the parachute, he also introduced the idea of suspension bridges, which would only be accepted and implemented 200 years later.
In his honor, there is now a Memorial Center on the island of Prvić near Šibenik, which you can visit on weekdays. Accommodation in the area guarantees an unforgettable summer full of new experiences, knowledge, and memories!
Mate Rimac
Mate Rimac is not just an entrepreneur, but a symbol of innovation and perseverance. Born in Livno and raised in Sveta Nedelja, he turned a hobby into global success. It all began when he converted an old BMW into an electric race car in his garage, and today Rimac Automobili is leading the global electric revolution with the Nevera model, the fastest electric hypercar in the world.
From investor rejections to partnerships with Porsche and Bugatti, his journey has been anything but easy. However, today the Rimac Group not only produces cars but also develops advanced technologies for the future of mobility. His story is proof that vision and passion can transform an entire industry — starting from a small workshop.
Marin Soljačić
Marin Soljačić is a contemporary scientist from Dubrovnik who currently teaches at the prestigious MIT in the United States. His most well-known achievement is the development of wireless electricity transmission technology, marking a significant step toward a world without cables. Soljačić is one of the leading experts in the fields of photonics and quantum physics and regularly participates in projects that shape the future of technology. His accomplishments confirm that Croatia still produces brilliant minds pushing the boundaries of science.
Lavoslav Ružička
One of Croatia’s Nobel Prize winners, Lavoslav Ružička, born in Vukovar, left an indelible mark on the world of chemistry. His research in the field of organic compounds earned him the Nobel Prize in 1939. Ružička was a pioneer in the study of hormones and fragrance compounds, and his work laid the foundation for the modern pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. He was also a mentor to many scientists, including another Croatian Nobel laureate – Vladimir Prelog.
Vladimir Prelog
Born in Sarajevo and educated and scientifically shaped in Zagreb and Zurich, Prelog won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1975 for his work on stereoisomers and the elucidation of the structures of organic molecules. His contribution to science was crucial in the development of medications and synthetic compounds that we use in everyday life today. Prelog was also a proud mentor of young scientists and a testament to how Croatian minds can leave a global mark.
Artists and writers
Ivan Meštrović
Ivan Meštrović didn’t just sculpt statues — he shaped stories in stone and bronze. Born in 1883 in the Dalmatian hinterland, he drew inspiration from folk legends and modern art, creating works that grace cities around the world.
His sculptures, such as "Grgur Ninski" and "The History of the Croats", radiate strength and emotion, telling a story of identity and a people’s struggle. As the first living artist to have an exhibition at New York’s Metropolitan Museum, he left an indelible mark. Meštrović’s legacy continues to captivate — the stories he shaped remain eternal.
Ivo Andrić
One of the most famous and internationally recognized writers of the 20th century is Ivo Andrić, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1961. Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Andrić spent most of his life in Zagreb and Croatia, but his birthplace remained a lasting source of inspiration — which is why he was awarded the highest literary honor in the world!
Some of his most famous works include The Travnik Chronicle, Restlessness, The Damned Yard, Faces, Notes on Goya, and his magnum opus The Bridge on the Drina, published in 1945 — all of which have been translated into most world languages!
“A man who does not love is incapable of feeling the greatness of someone else's love, the strength of jealousy, or the danger that lies within it.” —
Marko Marulić
Marko Marulić (1450–1524), a Split-born poet and humanist, is today considered the father of Croatian literature. His most famous work, “Judita” (1501), is the first epic written in the Croatian language, laying the foundation for Croatian literary tradition and being ahead of its time.
However, Marulić was not just a poet — he was also a philosopher and moralist. Works such as “Evangelistarium” and “De institutione bene vivendi” achieved great success throughout Europe and were read at royal courts and within papal circles.
Although more than 500 years have passed, Marulić’s legacy lives on today. Croatia’s most prestigious literary award bears his name, and his works continue to inspire generations of writers and readers.
Branko Lustig
The person who left the greatest mark in the world of film is the late Branko Lustig. This film producer is the only person from the region to have won two Oscars. He won his first for Schindler’s List in 1994, and the second for Gladiator in 2001 — both considered masterpieces in the film industry.
In addition to these films, Lustig was also involved in the production of movies such as American Gangster, Hannibal, Black Hawk Down, Kingdom of Heaven, and many others, holding various roles and responsibilities.
He was awarded the Order of Duke Trpimir, is an honorary citizen of his hometown Osijek, the largest city in Croatia’s D1 region, and his legacy lives on through the incredible films that continue to take viewers’ breath away even today.
Sport
Janica Kostelić
Athlete Janica Kostelić is Croatia’s most famous and most successful sportswoman of all time. Alongside her brother Ivica and father Ante, she forms the most successful sports family in the history of Croatian sport, while Janica herself is considered one of the best — if not the greatest — female skiers in the history of the discipline.
She has won numerous medals, both small and large crystal globes, and with 4 Olympic gold medals and 2 silver medals, she is the most successful alpine skier in the history of the Winter Olympic Games.
The Kostelić family is a true example of how no obstacle can stand in the way of reaching great heights — just as they put Croatia on the world skiing map!
Blanka Vlašić
Blanka Vlašić is one of the most successful Croatian athletes and is widely considered the greatest Croatian track and field competitor of all time.
She crowned her career with two Olympic medals. She won her first in 2008 with a silver, and another in 2016 as the bronze medalist. The result might have been even better had she not unfortunately missed the 2012 Olympic Games due to injury.
This two-time world champion cleared 2.08 meters, marking the second-best result in the history of the discipline. After an incredible season, she was awarded the title of World Athlete of the Year in 2010!
Goran Ivanišević
Goran Ivanišević delivered perhaps the most beautiful sports story ever told in 2001. At the time, over 30 years old, with multiple shoulder injuries and a long absence from the court that dropped him to 125th in the rankings, he achieved the impossible — he won the most prestigious tournament, Wimbledon!
With this victory, he became the lowest-ranked player ever to win the tournament and the only tennis player to do so after receiving a wildcard entry.
Throughout his career, Goran won an impressive 21 ATP titles and was ranked world number two for a period. He also won two Olympic bronze medals — in both singles and doubles — at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.
He was recently inducted as the first Croatian into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, in recognition of all his achievements and contributions to the tennis world to this day!
Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić is not only one of the best midfielders in history — he is a symbol of perseverance, talent, and humility. Born in Zadar in 1985, he grew up in difficult times, but his love for football was stronger than any obstacle. Through Dinamo Zagreb, he broke into the European elite, and his transfer to Real Madrid in 2012 marked the beginning of his global dominance.
With Real, he has won everything — six Champions League titles, multiple La Liga championships, and numerous other trophies. But the peak of his career came in 2018, when he led Croatia to the World Cup final and won the Ballon d'Or as the world’s best footballer, ending a decade of Messi and Ronaldo dominance.
Although he has become a legend with age, Modrić has remained the same — humble, dedicated, and incredibly tenacious on the field. He is still a key figure for both Real Madrid and the Croatian national team, proving that hard work, discipline, and love for the game are stronger than any obstacle. His story is not just a sports achievement — it's an inspiration for everyone who believes in their dreams.
Sandra Elkasević
Sandra Elkasević (née Perković), born in Zagreb, is one of the greatest Croatian athletes of all time. A two-time Olympic, two-time World, and seven-time European champion, she has dominated discus throwing for over a decade.
She was the first Croatian woman to throw over 70 meters, and with a throw of 71.41 m (in 2017), she set the world’s best result since 1992. With six Diamond League titles and five world medals, she became the greatest European female discus thrower in history.
Sandra is a symbol of perseverance and success – and her story is still being written!
Stipe Miočić
Stipe Miočić, born in the USA to Croatian parents, became one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. As a two-time heavyweight champion and the fighter with the most title defenses in that division, Miočić set new standards in the world of combat sports. Despite his success, he has remained humble and proud of his Croatian heritage, often highlighting his roots in Zadar and Rijeka. Alongside his firefighting career and athletic dominance, Miočić is proof that hard work, character, and humility are the recipe for true greatness.
Toni Kukoč
Toni Kukoč from Split is one of the few Croatian athletes who can proudly boast NBA titles. Playing for the powerhouse Chicago Bulls during their golden era alongside Michael Jordan, he won three championship rings and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. His playing style was ahead of its time — as a tall player with exceptional technique and court vision, Kukoč was unstoppable both in Europe and in the U.S. A source of Croatian sporting pride and a role model for many young basketball players who dream of making it to the NBA courts.
Dražen Petrović
Dražen Petrović, known as the “Mozart of Basketball,” was one of the greatest sporting talents Croatia has ever produced. Born in Šibenik, his incredible talent and relentless work ethic won the hearts of basketball fans around the world. He played for legendary clubs such as Cibona, Real Madrid, and the NBA’s New Jersey Nets, leaving a legacy as one of the first Europeans to pave the way into the NBA. Sadly, his life was tragically cut short in 1993, but his spirit lives on in every Croatian basketball jersey.
“I’ll brag a little — I consider myself the greatest shooter of all time, but there is one who was better. He was without a doubt my biggest rival on the court. He got under my skin, partly because I often didn’t understand what he was saying. I’m talking about the late great Dražen Petrović.” — Reggie Miller
Croatia – a land of inventors, athletes, high art, culture, and a thousand-year-old history!
The list is truly endless, so we’ll highlight just a few achievements that we haven’t described in this text.
Croatian Inventions and Inventors | |
| Sumamed | Invented by PLIVA One of the most well-known antibiotics in the world |
| Apaurin | Franjo Kajfež A drug from the benzodiazepine group |
| Marine compass and dynamo | Marcel Kiepach Innovator and genius from Križevci |
| Tungsten filament light bulb | Franjo Hanaman Enabled longer-lasting and safer lighting |
| Fingerprinting / DNA analysis | Ivan Vučetić Father of modern forensics |
| MP3 player | Tomislav Uzelac Developed the first MP3 decoder in 1997 |
| Torpedo | Ivan Lupis An invention that changed naval warfare |
| Maglite torches and batteries | Croatian invention, used globally Even used by U.S. security services |
Croatia truly has so much to offer. From history, culture, art, science, innovations, and discoveries in the fields of natural and social sciences to Croatian sports, film, and music — a visit to Croatia will never disappoint, as you’ll leave enriched by the knowledge and heritage that have been nurtured and cherished in the Land of a Thousand Islands for centuries!
